Lanier is the top-ranked combo guard and eighth overall talent in this year’s portal class, per 247Sports. Lanier is ranked No. 7 overall and No. 2 among shooting guards by On3 Sports.

 

This past year, as a junior, he had a breakout season that put his name on numerous big boards for NBA teams as well as collegiate basketball schools across the nation. His averages were 19.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, with a 51% field goal percentage and a 44% three-point percentage.

In addition, he’s among the country’s most proficient shooters. Lanier is credited with having one of the top true shooting percentages in the nation (67%), according to ESPN NBA Draft expert Jonathan Givony.

Since Lanier first logged onto the transfer portal, the Vols have been in the clubhouse leadership position. By late April, Tennessee was almost certain to land Lanier. It appeared as though Barnes and the Vols would win the recruiting race handily and add another potent, effective player to their roster for the 2024–25 campaign.

By the first part of May, that opinion has evolved. Tennessee is no longer the clear favorite to win Lanier’s pledge, but they are still in the running and may even face competition from an SEC opponent.

The Vols and Kentucky are vying for Lanier’s pledge. The Wildcats are now a viable choice. In fact, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander, the Cats are ahead.

Lanier registered for the NBA Draft as well, so it’s likely that after working out for the NBA, he won’t play college basketball again. Jamie Shaw of On3 Sports projected earlier this month that Lanier would commit to Tennessee, but there are still a lot of unanswered questions.

He still has a few weeks to choose between playing in college or the NBA. While he is probably concentrating on the NBA because combine exercises are quickly approaching, he may soon shift his entire emphasis to Kentucky and Tennessee.